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Wilmington, DE Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Backyard chickens/farm animals
Prohibited citywide
First-offense fine
$250 to $1,000
Repeat-offense minimum
$1,000, not suspendable
Zoning-specific exception
Livestock in transit, manufacturing zones only

Summary

Wilmington outlaws keeping chickens, goats, pigs, horses, and other farm animals anywhere in city limits, with only narrow named exceptions.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor or house, whether as a pet, or for eventual sale or consumption, or for any other purpose, any domestic animals or domestic fowl other than dogs or cats, commonly known as farm animals or fowl, including, but not limited to, chickens, chanticleers, roosters, ducks, geese, pigs, hogs, donkeys, mules, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, oxen, or any other animal or fowl suitable for slaughter or for the production of milk, eggs or fiber within the boundaries of the city...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 3-14 makes it unlawful to keep, harbor, or house any domestic farm animal or fowl other than dogs or cats within Wilmington: the ban names chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, pigs, hogs, donkeys, mules, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and oxen. There's no residential-only carve-out; the prohibition applies citywide. Exceptions are narrow: circus/zoo/educational exhibition animals, police horses, fish or crustaceans raised in tanks inside nonresidential buildings, and livestock held under 96 hours at a Port of Wilmington export inspection facility in a manufacturing zone.

Violations & Fines

First offense: $250-$1,000 fine. Second offense: $500-$2,500. Third and later offenses: $1,000-$5,000, with the minimum fine not suspendable. Corporations face fines up to $5,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in Wilmington?
No. City Code § 3-14 bans keeping chickens and other domestic fowl or farm animals anywhere in city limits; there's no residential carve-out.
Are there any exceptions to Wilmington's farm-animal ban?
Only for circus, zoo, and educational exhibition animals, police horses, tank-raised fish or crustaceans in nonresidential buildings, and livestock held under 96 hours at a Port of Wilmington export facility.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wilmington

Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Wilmington rules

How Wilmington compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Wilmington to another location·View the Delaware animal ordinances overview

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